Trump Administration Adjusts Metals Tariffs, Lowers Rates on Select Equipment Imports

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The Trump administration has announced another adjustment to its Section 232 tariff program, temporarily reducing tariffs on certain HVAC, agricultural and industrial equipment while maintaining broader protections on steel, aluminum and copper imports.

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation June 1 modifying tariffs that were expanded earlier this year under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The administration said the changes are intended to support domestic manufacturing while easing cost pressures on industries that rely on equipment used in agriculture, construction and industrial operations.

Under the new policy, certain derivative products including HVAC equipment, forklifts, bulldozers, harvesters and other industrial machinery will see tariff rates reduced from 25% to 15% through Dec. 31, 2027. The proclamation also lowers tariffs to 10% for products manufactured outside the United States that contain at least 85% U.S.-sourced steel, aluminum or copper by weight.

The changes come two months after the administration overhauled its metals tariff structure, establishing a 50% tariff on products primarily made of steel, aluminum or copper and a 25% tariff on many derivative products.

The announcement may provide some relief for equipment categories tied to HVAC, construction and industrial operations. However, the broader Section 232 tariffs on many steel-, aluminum- and copper-intensive products remain in place, meaning distributors should continue monitoring supplier pricing, sourcing strategies and potential downstream impacts on project costs.

ASA will continue monitoring developments and evaluating potential impacts on wholesale distribution as additional guidance becomes available.